Dylan Larkin has requested a controversial trade from the Detroit Red Wings. Furthermore, he has now presented the three teams he would like to be traded to: the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. Fans are furious with his choices, saying Larkin has betrayed his hometown team.
Originally, Dylan Larkin was the Michigan-born hometown player who was supposed to captain the Detroit Red Wings into a new golden era.
READ MORE: Dylan Larkin faces fan backlash after trade request
Dylan Larkin trade request
However, after making the playoffs only once — in his debut season of 2015–2016 — the Red Wings captain of the last six seasons has now officially asked to be traded from Detroit. In addition, Larkin has a full no-trade clause in his contract and has therefore provided the Red Wings with a shortlist of teams he is willing to join. According to Detroit insider Helene St. James, those teams are the Panthers, Wild, and Golden Knights.
As a result, Larkin’s desire to join a contender has sparked strong emotions among Red Wings fans, with many accusing him of betraying his childhood team by exercising his no-trade clause in this way.
Fans are outraged
Consequently, the clause puts the Red Wings in a difficult position when trying to secure a strong return.
“What a clown. He has 5 years left on his deal, demands out, and says he will only go to these 3 teams. Yzerman should say tough luck buddy — you’re going wherever I get the best offer, or you’re not going anywhere,” one fan wrote on X.
“Imagine growing up dreaming of playing for your home team. Your dream comes true, you even become captain. Your hometown supports you for 11 years, yet it’s still not enough for you. Larkin, you’re not the captain I thought you were,” another fan wrote.
“Three teams, gee golly thanks ‘Captain’. It’s not like you’re screwing over the entire fan base that supported you your entire career,” a third fan wrote.
Dylan Larkin is under contract through the 2029–2030 season, with an annual salary of $8,700,000.
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